Enjoying leisure time with our dogs is one of life's most authentic pleasures. Because it allows us to get to know each other in other facets, interact together in environments different from our home, and see how our friends make new friends with other dogs and have fun with them. It also allows us (and this is just as important) to meet other aristopeters, thanks to the contact our pets have with others, and to establish contact with people who love animals as much as we do and who share our way of life.
As a result, there are increasingly more leisure options designed for pet lovers to enjoy, in the company of our best friends. Without barriers, without limits, and without absurd prejudices.
Speaking of which, one of the initiatives that has surprised us most recently is the one organized by the "La Usina" theater in Madrid, which recently presented "Ensayo de una despedida" (Rehearsal of a Farewell). A play about a woman grappling with the lie of life and the truth of death, while a spirit tries to snatch away her fear of the unknown.
This, in principle, would not be "anything special" were it not for the fact that attendees were allowed to enjoy the performance with their pets. A surprising and pioneering initiative, which we hope will pave the way for new "dog-friendly" cultural experiences.
The play "Ensayo de una despedida," by the Almanema company, was "minimally" adapted so as not to cause scares or loud noises that could upset the dogs. During the forty-five minute performance, the dogs present (Teo, Mari Puri, Panda, Pancho, Lana, and Cronos) showed impeccable behavior (they remained seated and silent) and gave a lesson in exemplary conduct to those who predicted that this initiative would be a disaster. Of course: at the end of the play, they showed their enthusiasm with an ovation of affectionate barks that the cast and organization, without a doubt, appreciated.
Following the success of this pilot initiative, it is expected that it will be imitated in other places and that, as far as the play itself is concerned, attendance will increase, so that very soon more people will be able to attend with their four-legged friends.
It is clear, then, that the experience of attending the theater in the company of your dog is unique, but it should be borne in mind that this is only possible if the dog is well-behaved, that is, if we, the owners, are aware of our responsibilities and that we have an obligation to self-learn and be consistent.
In countries like France, a dog training course is mandatory, which helps people to be more aware of what it means to have a pet, but also to learn how to treat them. For French society, this means that dogs are more adapted and integrated. Something that wouldn't hurt to happen in Spain so that the "dog-friendly" movement could grow. Because, in reality, there is nothing to prevent well-behaved dogs from being increasingly welcomed in shops, bars, art galleries... and even theaters.
We hope this post has interested you and encourages you to investigate the many leisure alternatives with pets that exist (more and more every day!). That said, we would like to know what you think of this specific initiative. Have you had the opportunity to attend any pilot event where leisure can be reconciled with canine companionship?
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